For anyone entering their first bodybuilding competition, one of the biggest unknowns is judging. While federations outline criteria such as symmetry, muscularity and conditioning, the reality on stage can feel far less clear, especially for first-time competitors.

COMMENT By Gary Chappell

ARGUABLY the biggest show on the British amateur circuit in terms of sheer competitor numbers is the PCA First Timers. It’s enormously popular: well run, slick and carries an electric atmosphere. But in some of the so-called “bodybuilding” classes, the physiques being rewarded don’t actually look like bodybuilding physiques. Instead of dense muscle, maturity and mass, it’s the slimmer, more aesthetic look taking the top spots.

That raises an awkward but unavoidable question. What exactly are some of the first-timer categories supposed to be about? If they are bodybuilding classes, then muscle and condition should be king. If they more about symmetry and flow, then call them Classic. At the moment, competitors are chasing one ideal while the judges often seem to reward another.

For athletes and coaches, that inconsistency matters. Months of prep, dieting and posing can be undone by judging that doesn't appear to be aligned with the category title.

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A First Timers show of incredible standard

Take the recent PCA First Timers Five, which took place on Sunday, September 21 in Telford.

The quality and standard of the competitors was incredible. These did not look like first timers – they were polished. The 450 entrants tell their own story of just how popular the PCA First Timers has become. There is no criticism here. The PCA has its way, does its own thing and clearly does it well.

Take the overall winner, for example – Alan Costa. A very deserving champion. He brought a superb physique, dense muscle and the kind of bodybuilding look that would stand out in any line-up.

But to reach that overall title he came through Classic Tall. With the greatest respect to Costa, there was very little that could be described as “classic” about him. He looked every inch the bodybuilder. It raises the question: if a physique like Costa’s – clearly bodybuilding in nature – is winning Classic and classic-looking physiques are winning 'bodybuilding' categories, how are competitors supposed to know what look to aim for?

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Size not always rewarded

Then look at the Junior Bodybuilding class, an enormous category that had to be split into height classes due to the sheer numbers. Even then, the Junior Bodybuilding Tall class had 14 athletes.

As they took their positions on stage, one stood out. Matthew Ford was considerably bigger than any of his 13 rivals. He had incredible mass and good condition — enough, you would think, to win a bodybuilding class. But he was awarded fourth place.

The three men given the nod ahead of him all had good physiques, but not nearly as much muscle. And remember, this was Junior Bodybuilding, not Junior Classic.

It is this inconsistency that confuses. Think of it like trying to hit a moving target while riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Bodybuilding will always be subjective, but when results don’t match the class criteria, competitors paying their fees are entitled to question it.

Another example came in Bodybuilding Medium. Luke Blake displayed pro-level muscle and will surely earn his IFBB Pro card at some point. He had more than enough size to dominate his class. Yet the victory went to a much smaller competitor.

Blake’s midsection wasn’t as sharp as it could have been – his condition likely cost him. But when someone carries that much muscle, to overlook them almost feels like an active avoidance of rewarding the bodybuilding look.

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Has the PCA drifted from bodybuilding?

You do have to wonder whether the PCA is moving away from bodybuilding per se and leaning toward a “prettier” look in their winners.

Because as good as Costa was — and he was outstanding — if his look was “Classic,” then how did he manage to beat Bodybuilding Tall winner Josh Davis for the overall? Davis was peeled, with full striations across his glutes, carrying both size and condition. Yet he wasn’t considered good enough for that overall sword.

So the question remains: is the judging criteria at these First-Timer shows clear enough?

Either way, the competitors — the lifeblood of the sport — deserve clarity.

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